Let's talk punting

FOXBOROUGH -- Given the record-setting production of the Patriots offense, there has been little focus placed on the work of punter Chris Hanson this season.

A former Jaguar who is preparing to face his old club, Hanson has punted 44 times for a 41.1 average and a 36.1 net. He's had 13 punts inside the 20, with six touchbacks.

The average ranked 26th out of the 32 punters who qualified as part of the NFL leaders. The net ranked 23rd.

In his Wednesday morning press conference (10:50 a.m.), Patriots coach Bill Belichick was asked about Hanson's season.

"I think Chris has had a good year, he's done a good job for us," Belichick said. "He's done what we've asked him to do. Like everybody else, it's not perfect but it's been good. It's probably been a little better than what we've had here recently. He's a good athlete, he's consistent, he has good hands, and has done a good job holding for Steve [Gostkowski]. I think he's done a good job in situational punting. So he's given us some good plays and he's been overall consistent over the course of the year."

In a related note, Belichick said the Patriots will be focusing on specific situations today in practice.